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Fiona was out here using her multiple seasons of law and order detective skills to take down the shady company that stole her brother’s invention but chillleee then she ends up accused of murder. Maurice, a smooth talking private investigator, haunted by a past case decides to help her by taking on her case with a few ulterior motives. As soon as their paths cross, the sparks and family secrets start flying fast. This was my first read by Nikki Payne, and I really enjoyed it! It had the right mix of mystery, tension, romance, and some good spice too. I loved seeing smart, driven Black characters at the center of the story. Fiona’s not your average “princess” either. She came into her own womanhood in this story….bold, clever, and stands ten toes down for what’s right.

The Princess and the P.I. by Nikki Payne, (List Price: $19, Berkley, 9780593817360, September 2025)

Reviewed by Morgan, The Book Worm Bookstore in Powder Springs, Georgia

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A magical bookshop, a whodunnit, and a morally grey heroine wrapped in rich lore. This story is pure fantasy perfection. It’s so immersive, it doesn’t feel like reading at all… just magic.The characters feel alive, the mystery keeps you turning pages, and before you know it, ‘one more chapter’ becomes four hours later, and worth every second! You’ll miss the bookshop the moment you close the cover.

The Bookshop Below by Georgia Summers, (List Price: $29, Redhook, 9780316561839, November 2025)

Reviewed by Erika Patoni, Righton Books in Saint Simons Island, Georgia

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Honey, the land!” No spoilers, but Simone St. James has really outdone herself with this twisty supernatural mystery/thriller. Every overturned stone along the plot’s path is captivating, and I never wanted to put it down. I love the sibling dynamics as they return to their haunted childhood home in search of answers regarding their little brother, who went missing at just 6 years old. The Broken Girls may still be my favorite, but this is a very close second.

A Box Full of Darkness by Simone St. James, (List Price: $30, Berkley, 9780593200414, January 2026)

Reviewed by Jenny Ford, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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I studied trees for my senior project in undergrad, and I remember the looks I would get when I tried to explain how magical these living beings are. My work explored plant autonomy and the ways humans interpret nature’s agency, but When Trees Testify deepens that understanding in ways I could have never imagined. The book’s poetic assertion that the breath of loved ones can remain alive through scientific processes is an astounding observation. It redefines the boundaries between the human and the natural. It reminds us that our actions are linked to the lives of the ecosystems we shape. When Trees Testify presents trees not as passive organisms, but as active participants—beings with resilience and a shared history.

When Trees Testify by Beronda L. Montgomery, (List Price: $27.99, Henry Holt and Co., 9781250335166, January 2026)

Reviewed by Chloe Strong, Epilogue: Books Chocolate Brews in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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The poetry of Billy Collins never disappoints! A must read this holiday season. Even though I’m a cat person, I couldn’t put this book down. Readers will savor each and every poem along with the dog illustrations by Pamela Sztybel. A joyful read about man’s best friend.

Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins, (List Price: $20, Random House, 9780593979419, November 2025)

Reviewed by Sheri Bancroft, novel. in Memphis, Tennessee

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In Paper Girl, Beth Macy peels back the layers of her hometown to explore the forces shaping communities across the country–issues like the mental health crisis, access to education, and the rise of misinformation and conspiracy thinking. With her signature compassion, she asks how we got here and how we can begin to reconnect with the people and places that that feel so far away? This feels like her most personal book yet, full of care for both subject and reader.

Paper Girl by Beth Macy, (List Price: $3200, Penguin Press, 9780593656730, October 2025)

Reviewed by Beth Seufer Buss, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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This book is a celebration of creativity when the narrator imagines what life would be like as a dog. It’s a delightful romp as well as a display of acceptance of other ideas.

If We Were Dogs by Sophie Blackall, (List Price: $18.99, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316581721, September 2025)

Reviewed by Rae Ann Parker, Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee

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Self Portrait is a sweet and introspective story that follows a teen’s gender exploration. Told from the internal monologue of Jip, Ludwig portrays teenage thoughts, potentially from a neurodivergent lens, in an endearing way. The story also does a good job of initially not placing too much emphasis on gender identity at all, which evolves as the protagonist realizes that he is trans. This novella would be a great choice for any YA readers looking for a queer coming of age.

Self Portrait by Ludwig Volbeda, (List Price: $19.99, Levine Querido, 9781646145775, November 2025)

Reviewed by Aidan Walker, The Snail on the Wall in Huntsville, Alabama

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Eleanor loves the wild outdoors. When she invites the wild inside, she spins and leaps like the animals outside. This beautiful picture book inspires imagination.

The Wildest Thing by Emily Winfield Martin, (List Price: $19.99, Random House Books for Young Readers, 9798217023981, January 2026)

Reviewed by Rae Ann Parker, Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee